THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, May 11, 1995 TAG: 9505100168
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 17 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Theater review
SOURCE: Frank Roberts
LENGTH: Medium: 56 lines
Skeptics may call it gossip, but what it is is subjective analysis of the activities of the people of Chinquapin, La.
The gathering place for this exchange is Truvy's beauty parlor, a pre-unisex establishment whose most visible customers are Clairee, Shelby, M'Lynn and Ouiser.
They are the people of ``Steel Magnolias,'' a play that opened in New York City in 1987 and has since become a community theater favorite.
There are three reasons for this popularity: The characters are clearly defined, the hit-home dialogue is clever, and the story is a fine mix of drama and comedy.
It is realism only slightly exaggerated, involving characters who remind you of people you know, plus dialogue and situations that have familiar rings.
The Smithfield Little Theatre handles ``Steel Magnolias'' very well.
Betty Payne is a beautician portraying a beautician, so no one is going to fault her for lack of realism. She captures the spirit of Truvy, a sort-of middle-woman for the discussions and situations that permeate her shop.
The actress is a little slow on the uptake now and then, but she is still captivating.
One of the most noticeable things about ``Steel Magnolias'' is the quick change in mood, laughter to tears and back again - changes that sometimes seem to come in mid-sentence.
The sharpest moods belong to sharp-tongued Ouiser, a marvelous portrayal by Jeanette Chapman.
The character is always ill-tempered, seldom smiles - but no one takes her seriously; everyone likes her.
``I've been in a bad mood for 40 years,'' Ouiser says.
Chapman's daughter-in-law, Lois, should get the little-theatre equivalent of a Tony for her portrayal of Truvy's assistant, Annelle.
She arrives in town a frightened mouse, but time and friendship turn her into a self-assured, born-again Christian. Lois Chapman's portrayal is almost hypnotic.
Marion Wilson offers another fine performance, as Clairee.
Most of the characters allude to members of their families, but M'Lynn and her daughter, Shelby, bring their love, and their arguments, onstage.
The scene that stands out is a discussion of whether Shelby, a diabetic, should have a baby.
Gigi Smith is quite good as mom, B. Kristin Outlaw is a believable daughter.
The beauty parlor set, by the way, is so realistic you want to call and make an appointment.
Do make an appointment to see this production of ``Steel Magnolias.'' by CNB